It’s hard to imagine living on borrowed time, but Stacy Motenko of Tustin, 26, has been doing it for a while.

​

“Because of them, I’m eight years past my life expectancy,” she said proudly of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its supporters at the Orange County Guild’s 30th annual gala at the Newport Beach Marriott. “Being involved with this chapter is like having a second family: We’re all in the fight together.”

 

The local nonprofit guild supports the foundation’s drug development and advocacy programs that have improved the quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients since 1955. Debbie and Ken Johnson of Anaheim Hills were honored that evening with the Breath of Life award for their exemplary support of the foundation.

​

“About 15 years ago, we attended Ducks in Tux for the Anaheim Ducks and learned about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. By the end, we were hooked. Hearing the stories was amazing,” Debbie Johnson said. “I don’t think we’re doing anything different than anyone else, but we’re honored.”

 

“We were fortunate to be blessed with healthy children, and seeing what CF kids go through broke our hearts,” her husband, Ken, added.

 

Guild president Sue Hook of Corona del Mar has been with the foundation for 47 years after starting a group in high school to help a boy with cystic fibrosis in her neighborhood.

 

“There’s so much heart with this group, and they’re so incredibly kind and generous,” she said of the Johnsons.

 

Last year, a drug was approved to help some patients find relief, Hook said. “I hope that people feel good about the support they give and where we’re going in finding a cure.”

 

– MORGAN McLAUGLIN,